In 2014, Nissan split its Versa lineup by introducing the Versa Note hatchback to complement the Note sedan. Since then, the Versa and Versa Note have gone through plenty of changes, but which of these platform-sharing siblings is the better buy for our Saginaw, Michigan buyers: the 2019 Nissan Versa or 2019 Nissan Versa Note? Keep reading to find out.

Exterior

Though the Versa and Versa Note share a platform and name, they differ in most measurables. Because of their shared platform, they both feature a 102.4-inch wheelbase and 66.7-inch width, but the Versa’s body is 12.4 inches longer at 175.4 inches long. The Versa Note’s hatchback body is 0.9 inches taller at 60.5 inches.

The significantly shorter Versa Note will be easier to park in tight spaces, plus all that glass around its hatchback body enhances visibility.

Besides varying in size, the 2019 Nissan Versa and 2019 Versa Note have distinct styling too. The Versa is your standard three-box sedan with a newer take on Nissan’s design language. It features a wider grille, newer headlights, and a more mature overall approach. The Versa Note, on the other hand, features the sportier V-style Nissan grille, scalloped door panels, and a flat roofline.

Advantage: 2019 Nissan Versa

Traditional sedan design

Longer and leaner look

More mature design language

Advantage: 2019 Nissan Versa Note

Youthful appearance

Shorter body makes parking easier

Abundance of glass enhances visibility

Interior

Inside, the body-style differences between the 2019 Nissan Versa and 2019 Versa Note result in small variations in roominess. Up front, the Versa offers 39.8 inches of headroom, 41.8 inches of legroom, 48.1 inches of hip room, and 51.7 inches of shoulder room. The sedan beats the Versa Note in legroom by 0.3 inches, but the hatchback body offers an extra 1 inch of headroom and, 0.4 inches of hip room, and it matches the sedan’s shoulder room.

The 2019 Versa offers surprising cargo room for its tiny footprint at 14.9 cubic feet, but the Versa Note’s hatchback design can swallow up to 18.8 cubic feet with the seats up and 38.3 cubes with the seats folded.

In terms of appearance, the Versa and Versa Note share their basic design language, but when you break down the styling by trim, there are distinct difference. The Versa boasts a more mature cabin with basic color layouts and a tapered three-spoke steering wheel. While the Versa Note S shares this look, the SV trim gets a light dose of blue in the seat inserts, and the sporty SR trim adds orange highlights and inserts, and a true three-spoke wheel.

Advantage: 2019 Nissan Versa

More front-seat legroom

Advantage: 2019 Nissan Versa Note

Much roomier rear seat

Sporty SR touches

Performance

There is not a ton to talk that separates powertrains in the 2019 Nissan Versa and the 2019 Versa Note. Both models come with the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque, but they vary in the transmission department. The Versa comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission and has an optional continuously variable transmission. The Versa Note, however, comes standard with the CVT.

With the CVT, the Versa and Versa Note have the same EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 31 mpg city, 39 highway, and 34 combined. With its standard five-speed manual transmission, the 2019 Nissan Versa takes a big fuel-economy hit, dropping it to 27 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined.

Advantage: 2019 Nissan Versa

Manual transmission option

Advantage: 2019 Nissan Versa Note

Better base fuel economy

Pricing and Features

The Versa is available in S, S Plus, and SV trim with prices ranging from $12,360 to $15,990.

The Versa Note is also available in just three trim levels, but they include S, SV, and SR. Prices start from $15,650 and rise to $18,360.

2019 Nissan Versa Key Features and Pricing by Trim

S: $12,360

1.6-liter four-cylinder engine

Five-speed manual transmission

15-inch Steel wheels with covers

Halogen headlights

Cloth seating

Front map lights

Hands-free text messaging

Rearview camera

USB port

7-inch touchscreen

Bluetooth hands-free calling

Bluetooth streaming audio

Siri Eyes Free

AM/FM audio system with four speakers

Three-spoke urethane steering wheel

Steering-wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls

Four-way manual front seats

S Plus: $14,500

All S features, plus

Continuously variable transmission

Cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls

Rear spoiler

Rear-tire air deflectors

SV: $15,990

All S Plus features, plus

Chrome door handles

Upgraded cloth seating

Six-way manual driver’s seat

Driver’s seat armrest

60/40 split-folding rear seat

Fine-vision instruments

Power windows with one-touch auto-down driver’s window

Power door locks

Keyless entry

2019 Nissan Versa Note Key Features and Pricing by Trim

S: $15,650

1.6-liter four-cylinder engine

CVT

15-inch Steel wheels with covers

Halogen headlights

Active grille shutter

Cloth seating

Front map lights

Hands-free text messaging

Rearview camera

USB port

7-inch touchscreen

Bluetooth hands-free calling

Bluetooth streaming audio

Siri Eyes Free

AM/FM audio system with four speakers

Three-spoke urethane steering wheel

Steering-wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls

Four-way manual front seats

Four cargo-area tie-downs

SV: $16,550

All S features, plus

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Upgraded cloth upholstery

Six-way manual driver’s seat

Driver’s seat armrest

Power windows with one-touch auto-down driver’s window

Power door locks

Keyless entry

Divide-N-Hide adjustable floor

SR: $18,360

All SV features, plus

Sport-style steering wheel

16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels

Easy-Fill Tire Alert system

Fog lights

Body-color side sills and rear spoiler

Integrated side-mirror turn signals

Suede-like seat inserts

Rear center armrest

SiriusXM radio

NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Keyless ignition

Piano-black center bezel

Who Should Buy the 2019 Nissan Versa?

Buyers looking for a traditional sedan will find the Versa’s looks pleasing. Also, the 2019 Versa is the least expensive car on the market, so it is great for tight budgets.

Who Should Buy the 2019 Nissan Versa Note?

The Nissan Versa Note’s hatchback body gives buyers more passenger and cargo room, making it great for small families or college students. Also, its sporty SR trim adds a dose of attitude the sedan lacks.